Expansible basket-weave chain



Nov. 7, 1950 I.. A. WILLIAMS 2,528,568

EXPANSIBLE BASKET WEAVE CHAIN Filed Aug. 1S, 1947 s sheets-sheet 1 Ltz- 26 24 FIG. 2 FIG. 4

58 a2 a .24 a

Y I3 I A Z l Fla/6 @261 62 Ffa" FIG/3 FIG/4f@ mf' 64' Fla/5 Fla/7 7.0'

INVENToR. 5o/v A Mum/ms arme/VHS.

Nov. 7, 1950 L.. A. WILLIAMS EXPANSIBLE BASKET wEAvE CHAIN Filed Aug. 1s, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG.23

FIG. I9 FIG. 2l

INVENToR. fo/v Mum/76 BY Lum q A/OPA/D/S.

apply the same to different kinds of basket-weave Patented Nov. 7, 1950 j UNITED STATES PATENTl OFFICE EXPANSIBLE BASKET-WEAVE CHAIN Leon A. Williams, Waterbury,l Conn., assignor toV Benrus Watch Company, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York YApplication August 18, 1947-, Serial No. 769,289

14 Claims. (Cl. 59-79) This invention relates to chain, especially are hereinafter more particularly described in jewelry chains of the basket-weave type, and the following specification. The specification is more particularly to an expansible chain intendaccompanied by drawings in which: ed for use asawrist-watch strap. Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a piece of expan- A true basket-weave chain is made up of a sible basket-weave chain in contracted Condiplurality of rows of small links, alternate rows tion; having the links displaced relative to the inter- Fig. 2 isaplan view thereof; mediate rows so that the chain when viewed Fig. 3 is a side elevation like Fig. 1, but showfrom above has a formation somewhat resembling l ing the chain in expanded condition;

a basket weave. Such chains have been revived Fig. 4 is aplan view thereof; n

in popularity'in a simplied and less expensive Fig. 5 is a perspective view of one form of form in which the links are made of sheet metal spring which may be used in my invention; .blanks which extend entirely across the width of Figs. 6 and 7 are perspective views of modied the chain, said blanks including arms which springs; simulate small links. Pivot pins extending across 1;; Figs. 8 and 9 show blanks for male and female thev chain are eliminated, and instead the arms links respectively, for one form of chain;

of one blank are bent around the connecting Figs. 10 and 11 are end and plan views respeccross-bar of an adjacent blank, thereby connecttively of a male link formed from the blank of ing and pivoting the links on one another. Fig. 8;

The object ofthe present invention is to genzo Figs. 12 and 13 are'end and plan views respecerally improve basket-weave chains. A more tively of a female link formed from' the blank of particular object is to devise a basket-weave Fig. 9; chain which is expansible, that is, one which nor- Fig. 14 is a section taken approximately in mally resiliently contracts in length, but may be the plane of the line I4-I4 of Fig. 13; readily expanded under tension. s Figs. 15 and 16 are end and fragmentary plan In accordance with the current vogue, a close views respectively of a modified-male link formed mesh or basket-weave is preferred, and the presfrom the-blank of Fig. 8; ent invention provides the desired close mesh, Figs. 17 and 18 are end and fragmentary plan the links overlapping fully when the chain is conviewsl respectively of a modied female link tracted, and the amount of overlap being reformed from theblank of Fig.9; duced as the chain is expanded. Figs. 19 and 20 are end and fragmentary plan Still another object of the invention is to previews respectively of a modified male link;

Vent the chain from being bent sharply at a Figs. 21 and 22 are end and fragmentaryplan single point between two links. vviews respectively of a` modified female link;

A further object is to provide spacers, if de- Fig. 23 is a plan view of a modified piece of sired', to limitv the expansion of the chainv and chaink in expanded condition;

thereby to protect the springs against excessive Figs. 24 and 25 show male-and female blanks iiattening. for the links of the chain shown `in Fig. 23;

In accordance with further features and ob- Figs. 26V and 27 are end and plan views respecjects of the invention, the links are provided with tively ofv a male link formed from the mank of end tabs which close the ends of the links, there- Fig 24;

holding the Springs in 13.0511312011 and .at the Fgs and are @md and plan Views respecsame time concealing the springs and giving the `tively of a female link formed from the blank chain a richer and more solidv and finished ap of. Fig. 25;

Fig. 30 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 27, but showingv a modification formed from the blankofFig. 24;

pearance.

A still further object of the invention is to chains made up of differently shaped links or blanks, including those disclosed in my co-pend- 'Fig 31 is a fragmentary View Similar t0 Figing appiicationsseriai Nos. '125,565 and 725,566, -50 29. but Showing a modiation formed from the filed January 31, 1947. blank ofFig. 25;

To acoompish the foregoing general objects Fig. 32 is a fragmentary plan View similar t0 and other more speoiiic objects which will here- Fig. 30, but showing amodiiication; inafter appear, my invention resides in the chain Fig. 33 is a fragmentary plan view similar to elements and their relation one to another, as Figl, but showingainodiiication;

Fig. 34 is an edge view of the chain in contracted condition;

Fig. 35 is a similar view of the chain in partially expanded condition;

Fig. 36 is a similar view of the chain in fully expanded condition;

Figs. 37 and 38 show blanks for alternate and intermediate links of a modified chain using only male links; Y

Figs. 39 and 40 are end and plan views respectively of a link made from the blank of Fig. 37;

Figs. 41 and 42 are end and plan views respectively of a link made from the blank oi? Fig. 38;

Figs. 43 and 44 are end and fragmentary plan views respectively of a modied link made from`V the blank of Fig. 37;

Figs. 45 and 46 are end andffragm'entary plan views of a modified link made from the blank of Fig. 38;

Figs. 47 and 48 are fragmentary plan views of 'modified' links devoid of guides or spacers;-

Fig. 49 is a fragmentary plan View of a modied chain in contracted condition;

Fig. 50 is a similar view with the chain in expanded condition; f

Fig. 51 shows a blank used for the links of the chain of Fig. 49;

' Figs; 52 and' 53are end and plan views respectively of a link formed from the blank of Fig. 1;

Figs. 54 and 55 are end and plan views respectively of a similar link formed from the same blank, but reversed in position;

Figs. 56 and 57 are end and plan views respectively of a modified link made from the blank of Fig; 51; and

Figs. 58 and 59 are end and plan views of the same link in reversed position.

Y Referring to Vthe drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, the expansible basket- 'weave'cnain is made up of links I2 and I4 connected-in alternation,A said links each being a folded sheet metal blank having a cross-bar. I6 IWith'arms I8 projecting transversely therefrom, said blanks being folded to form tubular-like -links extending'transversely lof the chain, the armsV I8 of alternate links being staggered relative to the arms 2U of the intermediate links, with the arms of one link bent around the crossbar of the adjacent link. In this case the arms are bent around the cross-bar I6. The arms -I8 and 20 form rows of simulatedrlinks or sublinks which extend longitudinally of the chain in -basket-weave formation. The chain further comprises springs 22 inserted between the crossbar of each link and the ends of the arms of the next link bent around the cross-bar. The springs 22 serve normally to cause the links to have a closed-up .or solid mesh appearance, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. However, these springs afford ,expansion of the chain whenplaced under tension, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. In the latter figures it will be noted that the springs 22 are ,flattened relativeto their vcondition in Figs. 1 and 2, and that the mesh or weave of the chain has been opened up, thus providing spaces or openings 24`and 26 in the'chain'. The springs serve a dual function. The'primary'purposeis to make the chainvyieldable or expansible: A secondary 'function is to give the chain a closed-up or solid mesh appearance,for Veven the expanded chain of Fig. 4 has considerable overlapof the links. As worn, the'c'h'ain is usually contracted.

The springs are preferably leaf springs extending transversely' of the chain and transversely of the arms, and parallel to the cross-bars.v rIhe 4 spring 22 shown in Figs. 1 through 4 is drawn separately in Fig. 6, it comprising a back wall 28 and front walls 36 connected by end walls 32. A space 34 is left between the walls 30 so that the walls StiV can approach one another longitudinally as the spring is compressed laterally. This change can be seen by comparison of Figs. `2 and 4. Y 1

Another form of Springis'shown in Fig. 5, Vthis comprising a strip of spring metal 36 slit longitudinally at both ends, the end portions being oppositely displaced to form yieldably spaced arms 38, 48, 42 and 64.

Still another form of spring which may be used in the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 7. In this case, two spring strips 46 and 48 are secured together, as by means of riveting or spotwelding at 50, the end portions of the strip being Yoppositely displaced to provide yieldably spaced arms 52, 54, 56 and 58. 'v Reverting to Figs. 1 through 4, alternate link rends have tabs 66 4bent transversely of the link bent inwardly from the edgefbars 64.

to close the end of the link. When the chain-is in the contracted position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the side edges of the chain are closed, thus giving the lsame a relatively rich, solid and nished appearance. lThe end closures serve a most important function in holdingthe springs in position.' They also concealthe springs, and this is true even when the chain-is pulled to open-mesh condition, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. Y

The particular chain shown in Figs. 1 lthrough 4 is made up of male and vfemale links used in alternation. A blank for the male link is shown in Fig. 8, and a blank for the female link is shown in Fig. 9. The male link comprises a center cross-bar I6 with arms I8 projecting transversely therefrom. The female link comprises a center cross-bar 62 and collateral edge bars 64, the arms 2|] extending transversely` and connecting the center and edge bars. The female link also has end tabs 60. Y

The male blanks areprovided with guides 66,

'and the female blanks are provided with guides The male blank is folded-to form a tubularlike link shown in Figs. 10 and 11. The arms I8 are Ybent sdewardly from the cross-bar I6, and

`the ends of the arms are bent inwardly, as shown atV 12. The guides 66 are in effect projections slidably received between the arms of the next link, said guides functioning to prevent the chain vfrom being bent too sharply at a single point between two adjacentlinks. More specifically, the guides are short arms disposed between the regular arms of the same link, and slidably received between the regular, arms of the next link. In the present case the guides 66 are bent in the Asame direction as the regular arms I8, and thus function as spacers as well as guides, that is, they limit the maximum expansion of the chain and thus prevent excessive flattening of the springs. The female blank shown in Fig. 9 is bent to ysh-ape as shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 14. For this purpose the arms 20 are bent away from the cross-bar 62, and the edge bars 64 are bent inwardly. The combined guides and spacers I0 are The end tabs 6I) are "bent transversely of the cross-bar andare received between the endmost arms. In Figs. 9 and 12 it will be seen that the corners solidly.

The details of the blanks and links and the method' of assemblyof the` same are described in greater detail in my co-pending application Serial No2 725,566, previously referred-to. For the present it wi-ll suiilce to-pointvout that the arms |3 of themale blank arestaggered relatively tothe arms of'lthefemale blank, so that the-arms |:8`l are received between the arms 2Q. Toassemble the chain, the-links are only part-ially closed compared to Figs. 10 through-13. The arms |8 are then threaded through the openings of the female link and around the-'cross-bar 62. The female -link is then closed to bring the edge bars '64 together. This provides pairs of links. The arms |81of eachl pair are then closed around the edge bars G4" ofthe next pair. In this wayl the pairs ofr links are readily joined to buildup the Vcomplete chain.

The springs may be inserted in either of two Ways. @ne method is tofleave the end tabs 60 `of the female link open. After the chain is assembledI the springs are slid into position endwise through the open ends of the links. The end tabs are then closed to hold the springs in position. Another and lessconvenient method is to `place one spring within each female link. The arms of the male link are then threaded through the female link around the spring. The second spring is added andV the female link is closed.'- W'hen joining the pairs of links, the ends of the arms of the male link must be closed around the latter of the two springs, the other spring already being confined between the crossbars of the maleandfemale link of the pair of links.

Figs. andl show a modfied method of folding the Imale blank to form the male link. In this case the short arms Etf are bent in opposite direction, that is, away from the regular arms |8. In this case the par-ts 65" actas guides but not as spacers. In other words, theyY function to prevent excessively sharp bending of the chain at one point, but they do not prevent maximum expansion of theA chain against'the springs.

Figs. 17 and 18l show the corresponding formavtion of the female link, the short arms 1B being bent voutwardly instead'Y of inw-ardly from the edge bars 64.

A modificationv whichV eliminates the short arms, is shown in Figs. 19- through 22 of the drawings. a cross-bar 'f4 with arms 'i6 extending transversely therefrom, the ends of the arms being lbent inwardly at 18. The female link comprises a cross-bar 80 and edge bars 82, with arms 84 extending transversely therebetween. End tabs 8S are bent around from the cross-bar 80, thereby closing the ends ofv the links. It will be understood that pairs of links are preliminarily assembled, as previously described, the male links being preliminarily threaded through the female links while both links are partially open, follow'- ing which the female links are closed to bring the edge bars 82 together. The end tabs are preferably left partially or wholly open. The pairs of links are then assembled by closing the male arms around the edge bars of the next pair of links. Finally, the springs are inserted and -the end tabs closed.

It is not essential that both end tabs be provided on the female link, and Figs. 23 through 25 illustrate a modification in which one end tab is provided on the male link and another on the female link. In this case there are an even number (eight) rather than an odd number of rows of sub-links in the chain. Specically, the

In this case the male link'comprises 6 Y male blank has fourl arms- 9|).Y on eachl side an four guides 92 on each-side. Theend tab must always be located at a pairof arms, and in. this case the end-tab 94l is locatedv at the end` arms. The female-blankhas four pairs of arms 9B and four pairs of guidesf98- atv the edge bars. The end tabmuis-located atthe end arms 96;

The male blank is folded as shown inV Figs. 26 and 27,-vwhile the female blank isfolded as shown in Figs. 28--and 29. Theblanks are assembled as previously described, by interleavingthe arms before the blanks are fully closed,.thus forming pairs in eachA of which the female -l-ink may be fully closed. The pairs are then joined-i by closing the male link around the` edge' bars of the next pair of links. Finally, the springs are insertedand the end tabs` closed. Reverting to Fig. 23, it will be seen that an important difference in the finished chain is that thev closed-ends are staggered on opposite sides of the chain.

In this modification of the invention, the guides are used also as spacers, but it will be understood that they may be used solely as guides by simply bending the samein oppositev direction, as shown at 92 and 98 in Figs. 30 and 31.

The manner in which the chain may be-.fully expanded when devoid ofY spacers, will be clear from study of Figs. 34, 35 and 36. In Fig. -34 there is notension on the chain-and the springs are fully expanded, thereby bringing the male links into edge to edge contact and the female links into edgeto edgecontact. In otherwords, the mesh is solid, or fully closed. In Fig. '35, some tensionhas beenplaced upon the chain, and it has been partially expanded. In Fig. S6-a greaterY tension has been placed on the chain and it has been ful-ly expanded.AV Thesprings have been flattened to minimum thickness.

Reverting to Figs. l and 3, it will be seen that Fig. 34 is comparable to Fig. 1, the chain being fullyv contracted. Fig. 35 is comparable to Fig. 3, but in Fig. 3 the chain has been extended tothe maximum expansion permitted by the spacers. The springs have not been completely flattened, and one advantage ofy the use of spacers is that the springs are protected. However, a disadvantage is that the chain is not as expansible. Fig; 36 shows the full expansion afforded when no spacers are used, and the increased expansion from Fig. 35 to Fig. 36 is the gain obtained.

It will be understood that the same full expansion shown in Fig. 36 is obtained if the guides are omitted, andv Figs. 32 and 33 illustrate the upper end portions of links similar to thoseV last described, but omitting the guides. In other words, Figs. 32 andA 33' correspond to Figs. 30 and 3l, but the guides 92 and 98 have been omitted. The blanks shown in Figs. 24 and 25 would be correspondingly simplified by omission of the of arms ||2, and four pairs of guides ||4. Thus theblank of Fig. 37 hasl end guides, while the blank of Fig. 38 has end arms, and it is therefore the blank of Fig. 38 that is provided with the tabs ||6 for closing the edges of the chain.

The blank of Fig. 37 is folded to form the link shown 'in Figs. 39 and-40., said linkY having Ia cross-bar |02, arms |04,and guides |06. The blank Yof Fig. 38 is folded to form the link shown inFigs. 41 and42, this comprising a cross-bar IIU, arms ||2, guides H4, andrend closures H6. VThe, assembly of this l.chain is simpler than. the assembly of a chain havinggalternate male and female links, for in the present case the links may b e added successively to one another. ,The links are first folded to partially closed condition. The arms ||2 are then closed around the crossbar |02, following which the arms |04 of the next link are closed around the cross-bar ||0, and so on. i

It will be understood that if it is desired to provide spacers as well as guides, it is merely necessary to bend the short arms ||4 and ||6 in the same direction as the long-arms, instead of in opposite direction. Such a modification is shown in Figs. 43 through 46 The cross-bars |02 and IIJ, the arms |04 and ||2, and the end closure I6, all correspond to those previously described. However, the guides |06 and ||4 are bent in the same direction as the regular arms, and thus act as spacers as well as guides.

Figs. 47 and 48 show a modification in which guides and spacers are wholly omitted. Figs. 47 and 48 correspond to Figs. 44 and 46, respectively, but with the spacers omitted. The advantage of using guides isto prevent a sharp bend localized at one point. This may be not only unsightly, but may vdamage the spring, or cause it to turn out of proper position about its longitudinal axis. If turned ninety degrees, it will no longer function to yieldably contract the chain.

It will be understood that in each form of the invention,'springs are inserted between the inbent tips of the arms of one link and the crossbafr of the adjacent link. Any of the springs shown in Figs. 5, 6 or 7 may be used. The most convenient method of assembly is to leave the end tabs partially or wholly open; to slide the springs into position while pushing the ends of the chain to close the mesh of the chain; and to then close the end tabs, thus locking the springs in position.

Although the links last described are al1 male links, alternate links differ vfrom the intermediate links. It is possible to assemble a chain in which all of the links are alike, being made from ,identical blanks, but with alternate links reversed end for end compared to the intermediate links. The blank for such a chain is shown in Fig. 51, it comprising a cross-bar |25 having la number of pairs of arms |22 extending trans- 5.

versely therefrom, and a similar number of guides |24 offset between the arms |22, with an end tab |26 at that end of the blank having arms rather than guides. Such a blank is folded to form a link as shown in Figs. 52 and 53, the said link including cross-,bar |20, arms |22, guides |24 and anend closure |26. By reversing the same link end for end, the link shown in Figs. 54 and 55 is obtained. On reflection, itlwil1 be seen that the link of Fig. 55 may be added to theY link of Fig. 53, the arms |22' coming between the arms |22 and around the guides |24. Similarly, a link of Fig. 53` may then be addedY to the link of Fig. 55, the arms |22 coming between the arms |22', and around the guides |24. i

To assemble the chain, the links are, of course, only partially closed and the end tabs are left open. As the links are added one to another,

they are closed, following which the springs are Y in position by some other means.

8 slid in place, land the end tabs then closed to hold the springs in position.

The assembly is shown in Figs. 49 and 50. In Fig. 49, the spring |30 is expanded and the chain is contracted. In Fig. 50 the spring |30 is contracted, and the chain is expanded. In order to conserve space onthe drawing, only two links areshown in Figs. 49 and 50, but it will be understood that additional links may bel added to form a chain of any desired length. Y

If it be desired to provide spacers as Well as guides, it is merely necessary to bend the short arms in opposite direction, that is, in'the direction of the long arms, and such a modication is shown in Figs. 56 through 59. Figs. 56 and 5'7 show alternate links with the end closures at the top, while Figs. 58 and 59 show the intermediate links, which are similar links reversed end "for end, with the end closures at the bottom. These links may be added to form a chain of indenite length, following which the springs are inserted, and the end Vtabs closed, all as previously described.

It is not essential that the arms in each link be in pairs directly opposite one another, and if esired, the arms on one side of the blank may be staggered relative to those on the other side of the blank, and if guides are used, the guides on one side of the blank may be opposite the arms on the other side of the blank. In this respect the blanks may be patterned after those shown in Patent No. 2,324,241, issued July 13, 1943 to Schoeninger.V However, such links are not well adapted to the use of end tabs, and'it then becomes necessary to anchor the springs Moreover, the use of end closures is desirable not only to hold the springs in position, but also to conceal the springs and to improve the over-all appearance of the chain.

It is believed that the method of constructing, assembling Yand using my improved expansible basket-weave chain, as well as the advantages thereof, will be apparent from the foregoing detailed description. It will also be apparent that while I have shown and described the invention in a number of preferred forms, changes may be made in the structures disclosed, without departing from the spirit of the invention as sought to be defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. An expansible basket-Weave chain made up of links connected in alternation, said links each being a folded sheet metal blank having a crossbar with arms and guides projecting in substantially parallel relation from each edge of the cross-bar, said blanks being folded to form tubular-like links extending transversely of the chain, vthe arms of alternate links being staggered relative to the arms of the intermediate links with the arms of one link bent around the cross-barof the adjacent link, said arms forming rows of sub-links which extend longitudinally of the chain in basket-weave formation, and said guides being shorter than said arms and extending longitudinally of the chain near both the top and bottom of the folded link, said guides being slidably received within the arms of an adjacent link 4and functioning to prevent the chain from being bent too'sharply'at a single point between two links, and springs inserted between the cross-bar of Veach link and the endsl of the arms of the next link bent around'said crossbar, said springs serving normally to cause the links to have a closed-wup jor solid mesh appeare-A ffag'sesgises L9 ance, but affording expansion of the chain when :placed under tension.

2. An expansible basket-weave chain made up of links connected in alternation, said links each being a folded sheet metal blank having a crossbar with arms and guides projecting in substantially parallel-relation from vleach' edge oft'lieicrossbar, Said Yblanks `bein-"giolded :teli-crm tubular-like links extending transversely of Vthe chain, the arms-.of alternate links being staggered relative to the arms ofthe intermediate links, with the arms of one link 'bent around "the 'cross-bar "di "an "adjacent link, said arms forming rows of sub-links which extend longitudinally of the chain in basket-weave formation, said guides being short arms extending longitudinally of the chain near both the top and the bottom of the folded link and being located between the regular arms of the same link and being slidably received within the regular arms of an adjacent link, and springs inserted between the cross-bar oi each link and the ends of the arms of the next link bent around said cross-bar, said lsprings being leaf springs extending transversely of the chain and the arms and extending approximately parallel to the cross-bar, said springs serving normally to cause the links to have a closed-up or solid mesh appearance, but affording expansion of the chain when placed under tension, said guides functioning to prevent the chain from being bent sharply at a single point between two links which might otherwise result in loss of control or loss of `proper spring position.

3. An expansible basket-weave chain as defined in claim 1, in which alternate link ends have tabs bent transversely of the link to close the end of the link, the resulting end closures serving to hold the springs in position.

4. An expansible basket-weave chain as deiined in claim 2, in which the alternate link ends have tabs bent transversely of the link to close the end of the link, said tabs extending in the direction of the arms, with the ends oi the tabs integrally7 connected to the ends of the cross-bar, the edges of said tabs being so shaped as to entirely close the space between the arms, the resulting end closures serving to hold the springs in position.

5. An expansible basket-weave chain as deiined in claim 1, in which alternate links are male links having a center cross-bar with arms projecting transversely therefrom, and in which the intermediate links are female links having collateral center and edge bars with transverse arms connecting said bars.

6. An expansible basket-Weave chain as dened in claim 2, in which alternate links are male links having a center cross-bar with arms projecting transversely therefrom, and in which the intermediate links are female links having collateral center and edge bars with transverse arms connecting said bars, and in which alternate link ends have tabs bent transversely of the link to close the end of the link, the resulting end closures serving to hold the springs in :position.

'7. An expansible basket-weave chain as deiined in claim 1, in which all oi the links are male links having a center cross-bar with arms projecting transversely therefrom.

8. An expansible basket-Weave chain as defined in claim 2, in which all or the links are male links having a center cross-bar with arms projecting transversely therefrom, and in which alternate link ends have tabs bent transversely ef the link to close the end of the link, the resulting end*cisefesservifrgtoand the springs in posinon.

@9, 1in-espanderebasketeweave cnam assente-a in claim 1,'in which the guides are arranged -and dimensioned to nact a'lsjo as spacers, said com- `spacers f function ytto protect 'the springs and to limit the maximum `expansion of thech'ain.

10. 'An expansible "basket-Weave chain as defined in claim 1, in which the guides are arranged and dimensioned to act also as spacers, said combined guides and spacers pointing in the same general direction as the regular long arms, and said springs being at least partially received between said combined guides and spacers whereby said spacersI function to protect the springs and to limit the maximum expansion of the chain, and in which alternate link ends have tabs bent transversely of the link to close the end of the link, the resulting end closures serving to hold the springs in position.

11. An expansible basket-weave chain as deiined in claim 1, in which alternate links are male links having a center cross-bar with arms projecting transversely therefrom, and in which the intermediate links are female links having collateral center and edge bars with transverse arms connecting said bars, and in which the guides are arranged and dimensioned to act also as spacers, said combined guides and spacers pointing in the same general direction as the regular long arms, and said springs being at least partially received between said combined guides and spacers, whereby said spacers function to protect the springs and to limit the maximum expansion of the chain.

l2. An expansible basket-weave chain as dened in claim 1, in which alternate links are male links having a center cross-bar with arms projecting transversely therefrom, and in which the intermediate links are female links having collateral center and edge bars with transverse arms connecting said bars, and in which the guides are arranged and dimensioned to actr alsov as spacers, said combined guides and spacers pointing in the same general direction as the regular long arms, and said springs being at least partially received between said spacers,

whereby said spacers function to protectr the springs and to limit the maximum expansion of the chain, and in which Valternate link ends have tabs bent transversely of the link to close the end of the link, the resulting end closures serving to hold the springs in position.

13. An expansible basket-weave chain as defined in claim 1, in which all of the links are male links having a center cross-bar with arms projecting transversely therefrom, and in which the guides are arranged and dimensioned to act also as spacers, said combined guides and spacers pointing in the same general direction as the regular long arms, and said springs being at least partially received between said combined guides and spacers, whereby said spacers function to protect the springs and to limit the maX- imum expansion of the chain.

14. An expansible basket-weave Chain as defined in claim 1, in which all of the links are male links having a center cross-bar with arms projecting transversely therefrom, and in which the v-guides are arranged and dimensioned to act 11 12 also as spacers, said combined guides and spac- REFERENCES 'CITED y ers pointing inthe Same general direction as The following references are of record in the the regular long arms, and said springs being me of this partent: at least partially received between Said combined guides and'spacers, whereby said spacers func- UNITED STATES PATENTS tion to protect the springs and to limit the maX- 5 Number Name Date imum expansion of the chain, and in which al- 1,795,039 Prestinari Mar. 3, 1931 ternate link ends have tabs bent transversely of 1,822,393 Fassnacht et al Sept. 8, 1931 the linkA` to close the end of the link, the resulting end closures serving to hold the springs 10 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date in position. Y

Y LEON WILLIAMS, 283,814 Great Britain Jan. 19, 1928 

